Optibus, the leading public transport optimization platform, continues its global growth with a presence on five continents in more than 6,000 cities and with more than 500 operators using its solution.
Within the framework of the Global Mobility Call, Maximiliano García, Commercial Manager for Iberia, and Carolina Monteiro, Commercial Director of Iberia, highlight the strategic role of the company.
Especially after the acquisition of Datik, a Spanish technology company that strengthens its real-time capabilities.
In this regard, García highlights how the recent acquisition has improved Optibus’ value proposition.
“We now offer an integrated solution that previously operated in parallel,” he explains in an interview with Mobility Portal Europe.
He explains: “This simplifies management for operators, who now have a single contact person to resolve any issues.
This approach eliminates the need for operators to use multiple tools, such as one for planning with GIS layers, another for shift management, another for monitoring, and so on.
This integration allows for optimizing time, reducing costs and improving the operational experience of customers, as well as avoiding potential conflicts with suppliers.
According to Monteiro, an integrated solution combining the Optibus planning and operations module with Datik tools has been successfully implemented in the Lisbon region, offering updated information in real time.
“This eliminates the need for multiple independent systems that complicated operational management for clients,” he says.
This development not only speeds up the transfer of data between systems, but also offers a competitive advantage in key markets such as Spain, Portugal and Italy, European regions that the firm considers priority.
“In the future, the idea is to expand to all the markets where we are present,” Monteiro anticipates.
How does Optibus drive the electrification of public transport?
Although Carolina Monteiro acknowledges that there are currently few urban transport networks with fully electric lines, she stresses that Optibus is already prepared to simulate future electrification scenarios.
“Our tool can help plan mixed operations, optimize the use of electric buses and define the location of chargers and pantographs,” he explains.
And not only that.
He also stresses that the ability to monitor consumption and battery status is key to ensuring efficient operations.
“In the future, when 100% of the lines are electrified, a solution that allows for anticipating costs and managing resources optimally will be essential,” he says.
The Optibus portfolio includes leading operators such as Grupo Ruiz and Arriva Spain, both with a sustained commitment to electric mobility.
Arriva UK, for example, has used Planning and Scheduling solutions, together with its agile scenario creation tool, to redesign the bus network in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.
This approach allowed it to double frequencies on most routes and simplify schedules.
For its part, Grupo Ruiz, one of the leaders in public transport in the Iberian region, uses the firm’s software to optimize punctuality and improve the operational efficiency of its fleet, thus enriching the passenger experience.
This year, Optibus has experienced significant growth in Spain, consolidating its position as a leading solution in the sector.
“We are very pleased with what we have achieved and we look forward to continuing to improve public transport in collaboration with our customers,” says Maximiliano García.
That is why his participation in the Global Mobility Call has been key.
During the event, Monteiro explained: “We seek to strengthen relationships with current clients and make ourselves known to new potential business partners.”
He argues that this approach is gaining relevance in light of upcoming tenders, such as the one in Madrid, where optimisation in shift and vehicle planning is crucial for operators.
In this context, the Optibus platform, recognised for its innovation, combines artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced algorithms to offer comprehensive management of public transport.
From planning to real-time operation, the solution enables multiple scenarios to be assessed in minutes and quickly adapted to operational changes.
Integration with Datik enhances these capabilities, adding functionalities such as real-time monitoring, operational safety and route optimization.
“This synergy opens up new possibilities to improve the experience of both passengers and drivers,” García highlights.
In this way, Optibus continues to seek alliances in the sector, promoting an open and collaborative innovation ecosystem.
“Our mission is to improve public transport for everyone and we are making steady progress towards that goal,” concludes Monteiro.
